FDA Issues Advisory on the Fentanyl Patch

The FDA issued a Public Health Advisory regarding the safe use of transdermal fentanyl patches. This is in response to reports of deaths in patients using these patches for pain management.

Several important safety precautions include but are not limited to patient education regarding signs of overdose, proper patch application, use of other medications while using the patch, safeguards for children, and proper storage and disposal of fentanyl transdermal patches were issued on a patient information sheet and an alert to healthcare professionals in regard to this potent narcotic medication.

The FDA is working closely with the manufacturers of fentanyl patches to evaluate the risks associated with their use and to develop a plan to help patients avoid accidental fentanyl overdose is conducting an investigation into the deaths associated with these patches.

There are still questions if the reported adverse events may be related to inappropriate use of the patch or factors related to the quality of the product.

The FDA is working closely with the manufacturers of fentanyl patches to fully evaluate the risks associated with their use and to develop a plan to help patients avoid accidental fentanyl overdose.